Hearing rehabilitation with cochlear implants and cognitive abilities

The relevance of assessing cognitive functioning is increasing against the background of the continuing demographic changes. Up to a few years ago the focus was on the effects of cochlear implantation in children born deaf in comparison to healthy individuals. Currently, the question arises whether hearing rehabilitation in the elderly, e.g. by postlingual cochlear implantation, has a protective effect on cognitive functioning and therefore on the risk of onset of dementia. This review describes the association of cognitive functioning with hearing disorders and cochlear implantation. Historical aspects of intelligence testing are illustrated. Knowledge on cognitive aspects in elderly persons with hearing disorders and cochlear implants is rare in the currently available literature. Initial findings indicate a positive correlation between hearing improvement and cognitive functioning. Further studies are urgently required in order to elucidate appropriate guidelines for the treatment of patients with cognitive deficits and hearing impairment.